James M. Parkin: IRS should make amends to pro-life groups

At the recent congressional hearings regarding the Internal Revenue Service's abusive treatment of certain groups applying for tax exempt status, Susan Martinek, representing the Coalition For Life of Iowa, related how the IRS harassed her group for

At the recent congressional hearings regarding the Internal Revenue Service's abusive treatment of certain groups applying for tax exempt status, Susan Martinek, representing the Coalition For Life of Iowa, related how the IRS harassed her group for excessive documentation, etc. The most shocking part of her testimony was when she stated that the IRS said they would not approve their tax exemption unless her group promised to never picket a Planned Parenthood center!

Whether you are "pro-life" or "pro-choice," the fact that these women provide pro-life material at these abortion facilities (e.g., information on adoption alternatives, offer medical and financial support, etc.) does not seem to be a negative to society.

Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the United States. During the last election cycle, it provided over $12 million in cash and services (through its related affiliates) to support "pro-choice" candidates. In effect, it has veto power over the Democratic Party's nominees for president, and the Democratic Party will only nominate "pro-choice" candidates. Apparently it also has veto power within the IRS!

To rectify the IRS harassment of these groups, the government should have the decency to reimburse these groups for the excessive costs they incurred in providing the IRS with outrageous and unnecessary reams of paper, etc.